Shopping Centre taking creative approach to breaking down social barriers between generations with dance showcase

23rd August 2017

You might have come away knowing how to hand jive, but this dance showcase held by a Hull shopping centre had a much deeper meaning.

Prospect Centre collaborated with The Older People’s Partnership and Fleur Elizabeth Academy of Dance to host Hull Through the Ages, which aimed to break down social barriers between the young and the old.

The intergenerational event saw dancers from 17 to 97-years old taking to the stage in Amy’s Garden, on Prospect Street, to teach one another (and willing spectators) the art of barn dance, street dance and modern. Onlookers also enjoyed a spectacular performance from Hull City Council’s Wheelchair Dancers.

Claire Champlin, chairperson of the Older People’s Partnership, said: “This has been a great opportunity for young and old to come together to share skills and dance, which has many health and well-being benefits.

“The intergenerational and inclusive approach is vital in developing community cohesion and reducing loneliness and isolation in both the aging population and younger generation.

“An event like this provides a platform for everyone to enjoy a day out with all the family.”

This is the fourth in the series of the Prospect for Culture events, which have been a hit with visitors to the city so far, attracting hundreds throughout the summer.

The next event in the exciting line-up is Allot of Make and Play, in collaboration with EMS to educate children on the importance of thinking about food from field to fork following on from the success of the rooftop allotment at Prospect Centre, which has just produced its first batch of honey.

Maria Kamper, Centre Manager, said: “We were thrilled to welcome such a broad age range of talent to our latest Prospect for Culture event, but this event ran much deeper than providing free family entertainment.

“The digital age means that people are communicating face to face less and less and I think this is a great way of encouraging younger people to interact with people who they may not otherwise socialise with.”

For more information, please visit www.prospectshoppingcentre.co.uk or visit the centre’s Facebook page @ProspectCentre.